"Rossi's plan, the Commissioner thinks, is to send back the Italian
exiles, and to disperse them, with money and literature gathered abroad,
among the excited millions at home."
"Wonderful!" said the Baron.
Angelelli laughed his thin laugh, like a hen cackling over its nest.
Then he said: "But the Prefect of Paris has formed a more serious opinion, your
Excellency."
"What is it?"
"That Rossi is conspiring to assassinate the King."
The Baron blinked the glasses from his nose and sat upright.
"Apparently he was having less success in Paris, where the moral plea
has been overdone, when reports of the Rocco incident...."
"A most unlucky affair, Commendatore."
"Meeting at cafés in order to avoid the control of the police ... In
short, although he has no exact information, the Prefect warns us to
keep double guard over the person of his Majesty."
The Baron rose and perambulated the hearthrug. "A pretty century, truly,
for fools who pass for wise men, and for weaklings who threaten when the
distance is great enough!... Commendatore, have you mentioned this
matter to anybody else?"
"To nobody whatever, Excellency."
"Then think no more about it. It's nothing. The public mind must not be
alarmed. Tighten the cord about our man in Paris. Adieu!"
The Baron's next visitor was the Prefect of the Province, who looked
more solemn and soldierly than ever.
"Senator," said the Baron, "I sent for you to say that the Council has
determined to put an end to the state of siege."
The Prefect bowed again severely.
"The insurrection has been suppressed, the city is quiet, and the
severities of military rule begin to oppress the people."
The Prefect bowed again and assented.
"The Council has also resolved, dear Senator, that the country shall
celebrate the anniversary of the King's accession with general
rejoicings."
"Excellent idea, sir," said the Prefect. "To wipe out the depression of
the late unhappy times by a public festival is excellent policy. But the
time is short."
"Very short. The anniversary falls on Easter Monday. That is to say, a
week from to-day. You will therefore take the matter in hand immediately
and push it on without further delay. The details we will discuss later,
and arrange all programmes of presentations and processions. Meantime I
have written a proclamation announcing the event. Here it is. You can
take it with you."
"Good!"
"The King will also sign a decree of amnesty to all the authors and
accomplices of the late acts and attempts at rebellion who were not the
organising and directing minds. That is also written. Here it is. But
his Majesty has not yet signed it."